The following resolution was passed at the June 2001 Desert Southwest Annual Conference
of the United Methodist Church.

Resolution 21.20: Affirmation of the Western Jurisdictional Resolution "We Will Not
Be Silent"
Whereas, the Western Jurisdictional Conference during its session at Caspar, Wyoming,
July 12-15, 2000, passed the following resolution entitled "We Will Not Be Silent":
"We of the Western Jurisdiction of the United Methodist Church have heard
the call of the prophet Micah "to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with
God." We have heard Jesus invitation for all to come to the banquet table
of God s abundant grace.
"Certain actions of General Conference 2000 have caused tremendous pain
for individuals and communities and have resulted in an attempt to suppress
our prophetic and pastoral ministries among all people, regardless of sexual
orientation.
"The votes may have been cast but our voices will not be silent. Our
jurisdictional vision calls us to be "a home for all God s people, gathered
around a table of reconciliation and transformation." Affirming the statement
of United Methodist of Color for a Fully Inclusive Church, "We acknowledge
that there may be differences of opinion among us, but this does not require
that we wait on justice." We cannot accept discrimination against gay,
lesbian, bisexual or transgendered persons and, therefore, we will work
toward their full participation at all levels in the life of the church and
society. Valuing the voices of those who disagree, we will continue to be in
dialogue as we journey together in creative tension. We will continue to be in
ministry with all God's children and celebrate the gifts diversity brings. We
will continue to feast at table with all God's children."
WHEREAS, the Desert Southwest Annual Conference intends to support our brothers and
sisters across the Western Jurisdiction.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Desert Southwest Annual Conference both
affirms and supports the action taken by the Western Jurisdictional Conference at
its 2000 session, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Conference Secretary shall ensure that the text of
this resolution be printed in the "Open Line", and that the Conference Secretary shall
mail a copy of this resolution to each congregation in the Desert Southwest Annual
Conference.